My FITNESS Journey

Fitness Coach? Haha -- Those are two words that I never really thought would describe me. Granted, I have always considered myself a fairly healthy and active person, but being passionate about fitness was fairly new for me. While I am no longer actively coaching others through programs, I have fallen in love with motivating people to live healthier and love their life -- and fitness is still a HUGE part of that!

In high school, I was a cheerleader and never really had to worry about what I ate. When I moved to college, I successfully avoided the Freshman-15 and continued to stay pretty active at the gym and with various activities through my sorority. In fact, I think I might have lost weight in college. 

It wasn't until my second year of marriage when I realized I was starting to gain weight. In fact, my first three years of marriage, I gained 10 lbs a year. That may not seem too extreme, but that was definitely not a tradition I wanted to continue. Furthermore, I could not really understand what I was doing wrong. I was cooking meals at home (granted, with some eating out), and I was still going to the gym fairly regularly. I had even worked up to five miles on the eliptical, which for a non-runner like me was a feat! Yet, I was still gaining weight and seeming more out-of-shape in my mid-section.

While vacationing in Hawaii during our 3rd year of marriage, I came to the realization that this was the first time in my life where I dreaded putting on a swimsuit. I knew I wanted a change. Yet, at that time, we were also hoping to expand our family. My thought was - why get in shape now when I'm just going to start gaining weight. 

Fast forward a couple months, and we devastatingly received the news at 9 weeks that I had a blighted ovum. (For those who don't know what that is - my body was still saying pregnant, but our baby was not there.) The weeks that followed were hands-down THE HARDEST weeks of my life. One minute we were planning names, looking on Pinterest at nursery ideas, getting used to calling each other "mommy" and "daddy" -- then, the next had to accept the fact that our baby was now in the arms of Jesus. Unless you have been through a loss like this yourself, there is no way I can explain to you the range of emotions, depression, and feelings of brokenness that one feels during this time. I felt like a broken machine that didn't work. To make it worse, even after the surgery (a D&C) I still had a slight little bump - very very minimal- but still there as a reminder of what WAS. 

I needed a change, and I needed it fast. I wanted to feel good about my body again - to have confidence in my body again. 

I had seen results from a dear friend who tried the 21 Day Fix and had great success. However, I was still skeptical. I wanted change but not a fad diet. I didn't want to take a bunch of supplements. I finally decided to try it out (knowing full well that it was going to be $60 wasted). I WAS WRONG!

Just 2 months ago these jeans did NOT fit (unless "fit" means not breathing and looking like a sad can of Pillsbury). This shirt? Haven't seen it in 2 years! Now - I can wear them both, with room to spare. Down 2 pants sizes in 2 months - Never say Never. It can be done.#onedayatatime #oneinchatatime #21dayfix #teambeachbody 

In my first round of the 21 Day Fix,  I lost five inches and a few pounds. In my second round (yes, I love it so much I did it again), I lost another 3.5 inches and am down 5 lbs! 

Now, 17 lbs lighter and over 20 inches down, 

I have lost track of my rounds because fitness is now my lifestyle.

The BEST part about the Fix for me was that it has helped me through the hardest months of my life. After my second round, I started feeling so much more confidence in myself again. I once again had a body I could be proud of!  Then, life hit again. --- We lost our second child at 5 weeks. --- And then 8 months later, our third child found the arms of Jesus at only 5 weeks. 
 

By this time, I had developed a habit of healthier eating and fitness, and I was determined to not give it up. My husband and I desire a family, and now it only makes sense to me to make sure that I am in the BEST shape I can be to carry our future child. (It will happen - by faith - it will happen.) 

So, I have continued my workouts (sometimes through tears), and I cannot even describe to you how much it has helped my confidence in my body this time around. I am seeing results - my body still works. Just for whatever reason, it hasn't worked out for our sweet child to progress. To give up and throw in the towel on my fitness is the WORST thing I could do for myself, my confidence, and our future family. It's not fair to my future child, so I will not give up.

Let there be no mistake - my true strength comes from my Lord, Jesus Christ, but I am SO thankful that He saw fit to allow Beachbody - this 21 Day Fix Journey - to be a source of help during this rough patch. 

I am STRONG. 

I am CONFIDENT. 

I am ME. 

I am a BETTER ME.